Extinct Animal : Galapagos Flightless

Nannopterum harrisi
Rare

The Galapagos flightless cormorant evolved in an isolated island environment that was free of predators. The birds had no need to fly and eventually became flightless. However, the Galapagos Islands have not remained free of predators, and, consequently, this cormorant is now one of the world’s rarest birds.

Through the years, dogs, cats, and pigs were introduced to the Islands and have had a drastic effect on the cormorant population. As well, these birds had no fear of man and could be easily approached and picked up. There are now only about 1,000 flightless cormorants left and the species is listed as rare.